BARRYMORE  by Carol Kaufman Segal

John Barrymore, February 15, 1882 - May 29, 1942, was an American stage and screen actor, a member of a famous theatrical family in America.  His father, Maurice Barrymore, was a famous stage actor and his mother, Georgie Drew, was the daughter of actor John Drew.  They had three children, all of whom became famous actors.  Lionel was born in 1878, Ethel in 1879, and John, the youngest became the most famous actor in the family.

           

The play, Barrymore, written by William Luce with Robert Benedict as John Barrymore and featuring Todd Andrew Ball as Frank, is playing at the Lonny Chapman Theatre.  It is directed by Robert Benedict and produced by Todd Andrew Ball.

            

The play takes place in a once flourishing, now idle, theater in the heart of New York City.  It’s an early evening in the spring of 1942 when the once famous actor arrives at the theater where his intention is to recreate his celebrated performance of Richard III for a group of invited friends and guests.  (This, of course, includes those who are attending the production at the Lonny Chapman Theatre.)             

           

He begins his performance, but seems more interested in wanting to tell his guests about his life.  He side-tracks from the play to talk about the Barrymore Family, his successes, his struggles, and his love life, as well as imbibing alcohol, interspersing at moments to stop and then trying to remember the lines to continue with the play.  Thank goodness for Frank who prompts him from behind a curtain.

           

Robert Benedict gives an exceptionally fine performance.  It is as if one is seeing the long ago deceased actor come to life.  Take note, the date of this play takes place very close to the time of John Barrymore’s death.

           

Barrymore plays Saturdays at 4 PM and Sundays at 7 PM, through November 3, Upstairs    at the Group Rep (on the second floor) of the Lonny Chapman Theatre, 10900 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood.  For information, go online at www.thegrouprep.com, or call (818) 763-5990.  The Upstairs venue is not handicapped accessible.  Not recommended for minors.